Common Word Community Service Silicon Valley 2013

SILICON VALLEY, California — June 29, 2013, forty Muslims and Christians united to serve 250 meals to residents of Cityteam Men's Recovery Center and to the homeless of San Jose. Orientation and meal preparation was hosted at Lincoln Glen Church. Christian and Muslim volunteers were gathered into buddy groups and got acquainted discussing fun questions about fond childhood memories, favorite holidays, and faith heroes. After Muslim volunteers from Pacifica Institute of Silicon Valley recited prayers, buddy groups then worked together to prepare halal chicken, green salad, rice, watermelon, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and revani, a wonderful Turkish dessert. Before serving the meal at Cityteam, both Pastor Larry Albright and Mr. Oktay Erbil of Pacifica Institute thanked God in prayer for the food, then prayed God's blessing upon all residents and guests. After guests had eaten, volunteers also enjoyed a meal together. Service ended with a beautiful prayer offered by Mr. Oktay Erbil who thanked God for the privilege of serving our neighbors together, for new friendships made, and for the peace all enjoyed as we united to serve God and neighbor.